Businesses, Nonprofits, Government to Take Part in ‘Diversity in Motion’

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHAT: Businesses, nonprofits, government and educational institutions around the state are working together to build Massachusetts’ reputation as a place where people of color want to live and work through efforts like the Commonwealth Compact, an initiative launched in 2008 with the support of more than 125 institutions across the state, including the University of Massachusetts system.

The compact and its mission will be among the major points of discussion when Equal Opportunity and Outreach hosts its second “Diversity in Motion” forum on Wednesday, July 29. The event will bring together people representing public and private employers, as well as government and organizations from across the Merrimack Valley from Lawrence to Lowell.

Speakers will include Stephen P. Crosby, founding dean of UMass Boston’s McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies, who cofounded the compact with Steven Ainsley, publisher of the Boston Globe, and Ralph Martin, former Suffolk County district attorney. Chancellor Marty Meehan will also address attendees. A panel moderated by UMass Lowell Prof. Meg Bond will discuss the challenges of retaining a diverse work force, including the impact of economic conditions. Panelists will include: